Central England Co-operative is celebrating being awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 in Business in the Community’s 2017 Corporate Responsibility Index (CR Index).
The hard work of colleagues across the Society has resulted in its rating leaping from 2.5 stars to 4.5 stars in just 12 months, with an overall score of 98 per cent, rising from 87 percent in 2016.
Martyn Cheatle, Central England Co-operative Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to have achieved a ranking of four and a half stars and it is a credit to the colleagues across the Society who have all played a part in this achievement.
“Our new CR Index score is based on recognition for a wide range of initiatives and projects including the measurement of the impact our community investment has had in the areas in which we serve, sustainable procurement, training, environmental management, and supplier support.
“It also highlights our continued efforts to develop our community partnerships, help raise funds for charity, engage with young people and reduce waste.”
News of the CR Index ranking comes on the back of the Society’s pioneering Social Return on Investment report.
Central England Co-operative became the first Co-operative of its type to publish a report, which took an in-depth look at the impact of its community work.
It revealed that every £1 the Society spends on good causes is actually worth £20.50 in terms of positive community impact.
The new ranking also comes after the Society completed 12 months as Leading Co-operative of the Year.
The CR Index is the UK’s leading voluntary benchmark of corporate responsibility and provides businesses with a framework to measure, manage and integrate responsible business practice into mainstream business strategy and operations.
It also allows businesses to benchmark against competitors and to transparently communicate progress to stakeholders.
Amanda Mackenzie, Business in the Community Chief Executive, said: “Every business should do something significant to society by being a force for good in the community, but that’s only possible if organisations are able to measure the progress they are making as responsible businesses.
“I congratulate Central England Co-operative for achieving its score and look forward to working together to create a fairer society and a more sustainable future.”